ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the types of protection used by workers exposed to concentrations of asbestos fibers in excess of the permissible exposure limit. It is easy for workers to underutilize recommended protective devices and be careless in the application of safe work practices since airborne asbestos fibers are invisible and their inhalation produces no immediate ill effects. The key to promoting worker safety and health is training. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require the training of all personnel that are involved in asbestos abatement in buildings. Training courses certified by the EPA have been established in all EPA regions. OSHA has developed extensive regulations for the selection, fit, use, maintenance, and replacement of respirators to ensure workers' health. Air-purifying respirators are of two basic types: negative and positive pressure. OSHA requires a dual cartridge for all negative pressure respirators used for asbestos abatement.
